Read the Word:
Matthew 26:57-67
Meditate on the Word:
Matthew’s account of the religious trial of Jesus gives us details that add to Mark’s account. For instance, Peter’s motivation for following, “to see the outcome (or the end)” is mentioned here. Matthew’s account makes it more clear that there were many false witnesses who came, not just two. Matthew’s account doesn’t discuss whether the witnesses agreed with each other. What is addressed here is that their false testimony is not sufficient cause to put Jesus to death. Finally, the two accused Jesus of saying that He can destroy the Temple and rebuild it. Matthew does not tell us that these two did not agree on the details.
We can understand Peter’s motivation for following Jesus and the crowd to this place. He was simultaneously concerned for Jesus and scared for his life. We can only guess that the motivation of the false witnesses was financial. We know that the motivation of the Sanhedrin was political. Thinking about motivations can be a good exercise for us. For instance, what is our motivation for following Christ? Is it love and affection for Him or do we look at Him as a “Get Out of Hell Free” card? Do we have a desire to follow Him and do what is right? Or do we grudging do what He commands?
Pray the Word:
Ask our Lord to reveal the motives of your heart. Repent of any selfish motives for following Him.
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